Hello World! This is my very first post for IDOTHISFORFOOTBALL. I hope you find my thoughts interesting. Well, after their predictable loss to Manchester City, it is Arsenal who will be my first subject. Many may feel the sacking of William Gallas as captain and subsequently being dropped was the reason for their loss. However this has been coming for some time. William Gallas commenting on the team lacking toughness answered all their problems. This merely does not mean mental toughness, but physical toughness in players. Every successful team has the unsung hero. By unsung hero I mean Defensive Midfielder. Arsenal, who plays wonderful football, falls short because they don’t have a recognized hard man. Pretty football is nice to watch, however it does not win matches, especially in English Football. Look how effective Masherano has been for Liverpool; Makelele was for Chelsea and the team now threatening Arsenals Big domination: Aston Villa. Aston Villa have benefited from hard men like Barry and Reo-Coker. Aston Villa too has flamboyant young players like Young and Agbonlahor, but are supported with the toughness of the likes of Barry. This role used to be played so well by Patrick Vieira, and since his departure players like Flamini have had cameo roles, without the effect of a Vieira. Until Arsenal realise or in Wenger’s case admit they need to get a recognised hard man, they will continue to slip up. Arsenal may still finish in the top four this season; however the gap between them and the chasing pack is definitely closing.